Eco Merchandise is here to stay

Investing in eco-friendly branded merchandise is a well-considered choice; it is also good for the planet and will enhance and elevate your brand identity. There has never been a better time to explore the vast array of sustainable printed products and the benefits that eco merchandise delivers. Whatever your industry, audience or preference in products, corporate merchandise has evolved and adapted exponentially to meet the growing demands of today's consumers, not only in promotional products but for branded retail items too. Only a short period ago, recycled merchandise was an alternative to the standard single-use plastic items we all know well. However, eco printed products now lead the way; they are no longer premium wish list options but more sought after essentials, across all channels, from marketing to retail. One of the most appealing attributes of branded merchandise is its relevance, where carefully selected items can influence and engage with specific people within a particular industry. This simple yet effective business use of promotional merchandise for corporate gifting, event giveaways, and retail and staff incentives has always been widespread. Now that sustainable and eco-friendly products have carved out their importance, especially in our post-pandemic existence, it has changed the landscape and re-shaped our views on the effectiveness and relevance of sustainable promotional products and the role it has to play in 2022 and beyond. 

Why eco? Benefits to your brand, the earth, landfill, and sustainable alternatives!

With so many sustainable merchandise ideas available and rapidly growing throughout 2022 to meet continuous demands, it proves how far we have come in a relatively short period. As a brand, the promotional merchandise you choose speaks volumes about the business, culture and ethos you wish to promote. More and more companies are opting for sustainable, recycled, and eco-friendly promotional products. It has become the new trend, but it's also an imperative facet to most businesses' kudos, especially in the ever-present digital age we are emersed within. Identity is everything, and reputation is invaluable in our incredibly competitive market; therefore, being seen to invest in sustainability displays a positive and forward-thinking mindset that is attractive when acquiring new business. From an environmental perspective, every aspect of society has a crucial role in making the planet a greener and safer place for us all, and eco merch is at the helm.

Reducing single use plastics and keeping marketing giveaways out of landfill

Keeping single-use plastics and non-biodegradable rubbish out of landfills and our oceans is one of the key reasons many new and innovative sustainable promotional products exist. The extensive eco event merchandise available means that businesses no longer have to choose a higher-priced alternative; they can opt for what is considered standard products for executive gifts, giveaways and retail. The range is growing too, with more fantastic products produced from impressive sustainable materials such as; bamboo, wheat straw, RPET, natural wood, jute, organic cotton, coffee husk and even plant silk - naming but a few! 2022 is the year to explore the burgeoning world of all that is eco-friendly merchandise!

Bamboo Merchandise Alternatives: 

With so many innovative and exceptional eco-friendly options for custom products, the need for non-eco merchandise has diminished rapidly. There are many attractive, durable, and highly sustainable printed products for consideration for what's available for promotional merchandise. Bamboo is one of the most in-demand and preferred materials within the eco-friendly category. It has also become the most on-trend alternative to standard branded merchandise, taking the lead over items produced from single-use plastics. The exponential increase in popularity of materials like bamboo has seen a surge of products adapting and evolving to meet the current requirements of our eco-mindsets! Aside from the most recognisable eco-items such as printed jute bags, bamboo has cleverly shaped its way into practical everyday items; promotional takeaway coffee cups, printed bamboo lunch boxes, printed bamboo pens, promotional bamboo toothbrushes, promotional bamboo notebooks and even promotional technology. Custom printed bamboo powerbanks, printed USBs, promotional bamboo speakers and promotional bamboo charging cables are just a few of the items now offered in bamboo, ideal for a range of industry types, executive gifting and branded retail. Technology is one of the most sought-after categories within the promotional products market. Bamboo will deliver a high perceived value with its distinguished natural finish; it's also hardwearing and durable, perfect for daily portable items and products, such as tech gifts. For corporate gifting, investing in bamboo products also sends a positive message to your clients. It shows a well-thought and considered gift choice, of premium value and good for the planet. 

Promotional Products Made Of Wheat Straw

Like bamboo, wheat straw is another fantastic innovation for promotional products, where everyday items have evolved into appealing eco-friendly merchandise. This durable alternative to standard plastic has become incredibly popular for promotional giveaways, retail items and branded executive gifts. There is an almost limitless array of tempting products from custom eco pens, printed power banks made from wheat straw, company printed coffee mugs, tumblers, promotional phone stands, and food containers. Like bamboo, wheat straw offers a natural, raw appearance that makes it stand out from all other products by being easily identifiable. Due to its intriguing nature, wheat straw has surged in popularity across all industry sectors, especially those looking to make an impression with attention-grabbing branded merchandise. Ideal for staff rewards and incentives and charity retail, items like promotional drinkware are becoming increasingly popular, with cups, mugs, and bottles leading the way. When branded, wheat straw helps create unique and exclusive merchandise that offers a premium and high perceived value gift. When combined with other eco-friendly materials such as cork, items like power banks, wireless charging speakers and pens are becoming ever more popular. The cork and wheat straw effect is visually impressive, not only for its completely natural and sustainable aesthetics but also the added texture and depth, making it unusually high end and an attractive executive or retail gift idea. Wheat straw products are perfect for the food industry, catering companies, homestyle gift shops, charities, colleges, and universities - where technology items such as power banks, chargers and USBs are widely in demand. Desktop wheat straw products such as phone stands and pens make excellent event giveaways and staff and client gifts, too; everyday functional items that are great to look at and even better to use, and most importantly - kind to our planet. 

Whats Available In Recycled Merchandise? 

Due to the continued growing demand for eco-friendly merchandise and sustainable branded products, new approaches to manufacturing have seen a rise in recycled branded products covering all categories. Whether it's sustainable keyrings made from recycled plastics or eco friendly promotional notebooks made out of recycled paper, innovation is continually moving forward to deliver exceptional products and clothing produced from reusable waste. Recycled merchandise is crucial to our planet and helps reduce the overuse of materials such as single-use plastics, a major global issue that threatens our oceans and wildlife. A simple yet highly effective process, recycling plays a pivotal role in sustainability; more and more products are finding new ways to be reinvented, from promotional recycled notebooks, recycled printed bags, custom recycled printed pens and recycled promotional water bottles. Desktop items such as recycled card paper notebooks are among the best-selling recycled products—everyday office items for staff and great giveaways at events and gifts to clients at meetings. The classic promotional bags like totes and drawstrings also offer an extensive range within the recycled category. Materials such as RPET are among the most popular and provide an excellent reusable, low price point branded product solution, perfect for charity merchandise, corporate events, schools, gyms and gift shops.

Recycled Promotional Bottles And Mugs

Branded drinkware is a burgeoning market; promotional takeaway cups, printed mugs, and promotional bottles are amongst the most popular items within the promotional product industry - for gifts, giveaways, retail and corporate branding. Aside from the impressive collection of eco-friendly drinkware manufactured from wheat straw and bamboo, there is a vast array of recycled plastic options, the most popular being takeaway cups. Takeout coffee cups have risen in popularity over the last decade, overtaking the Classic earthenware style mugs due to lifestyle changes in work and leisure time. Recycled takeaway mugs are price competitive. They are naturally sustainable, but it offers the ultimate eco-friendly branded product solution for all industry types and the retail sector as a recycled option. As events and face to face meetings slowly start to gain momentum again, the post-pandemic, there has never been a more significant and urgent need for printed merchandise. Recycled merchandise is as relevant now as it has ever been; simple yet effective event giveaways such as recycled plastic keyrings, branded eco bags, and promotional sustainable notebooks continue to lead the way for giveaways at events and exhibitions. The perfect items for a range of purposes. Ideal for university open days and fresher fairs, client giveaways and gift shop retail, where recycled products offer a good ROI and healthy profit margin. Other recycled plastic desktop items such as pens and rulers are classic, tried and tested promotional items. They are guaranteed to make an impact and get your brand and business noticed, only this time, with the added benefit of being fully recycled, good for business, and even better, the planet! With more and more options for eco-friendly and recycled products than ever before, all your event goodies and business gifts will make the impression you deserve. They will certainly ensure you get heard when packed inside sustainable printed bags, ready to give out!

Why not consider a seed or desk garden promotional gift to grow your fans? 

Eco and sustainable promotional merchandise come in all shapes and sizes to suit all budgets ad purposes. The choice is abundant, from everyday items such as the classic custom recycled notebook to sustainable printed bags. There is also a range of more unusual branded gifts on offer, which are not generally considered promotional. When utilised as corporate giveaways, seed packs and desk gardens offer incredible versatility and alternative options to the standard products we know too well. An exciting and colourful choice of seed gifts is available for the promotional and branded retail market, from the classic seed packets, desk gardens, sprouting seed pencils, seed paper, and even seeded button badges, to name but a few! These unique and alternate branded gifts offer a great way to connect with clients, regardless of industry. Seed packets are ideal for a wide range of purposes, and they make exceptional direct mailing gifts due to being lightweight and flat, the perfect combination for mailing. As more of us change our habits toward being environmentally focused, products like seeds and desk gardens are unrivalled in their ability to start a conversation. They offer a visual experience and an interactive product with unparalleled longevity. Seeds are a delightful and unexpected gift that also provokes thought and demands attention, a low cost, clever, but attractive marketing method with mass appeal. As a corporate desktop gift, grow pots and desk gardens will deliver colour, fun and a sense of well-being for the whole office to enjoy. Seed paper-based products have also fast become an in-demand eco-friendly product, from seeded postcards, memo pads, and the ultimate desktop companion - promotional sustainable notebooks. They are fascinating products, guaranteed to get people talking, with more and more people investing in them for their promotional merchandise. Rather than being discarded in the bin, the seed paper can be placed in soil and will grow into your desired choice - a marvel invention and one that has propelled sustainability and eco-friendly merchandise further. These are ideal giveaways when you want to make an impression and enhance your reputation. Seed and desk gardens also make tempting retail products suitable for gift shops, charity web stores and staff rewards and incentives. They promote positivity and are an excellent way to connect with people whilst advertising and growing your brand, culture, and ethos to an eager and awaiting audience. So, next time you consider promotional recycled paper notebooks, look out for ones with seeded paper and impress your clients with an everyday item with an unusual eco-friendly twist! 

Our merchandise experts are here to help you find the perfect mix of eco friendly promotional products.

Our account managers are branded merchandise experts and are always on hand to assist with any enquiry, no matter how small or large! They excel in promotional products, and eco-friendly and sustainability are their forte! Our team are ready to share their experience and knowledge on what products will work best for you, the event and your budget. They will also manage your order from concept to delivery, so you can rest assured that your business is in the best hands in the industry.